Etymology

The name "Boniface" comes from the Late Latin name Bonifatius, which meant "good fate" from bonum "good" and fatum "fate". This was the name of nine popes and also several saints, including an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon missionary to Germany (originally named Winfrid) who is now regarded as the patron saint of that country.

The name Boniface in connection to spirits may originate from Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, known to be used by J. K. Rowling as a reference for names. The Dictionary describes a Pope Boniface who encouraged indulgence in wine so long as it was drunk to the current Pope's good health.[1]